energyplay: I love your optimism! But I agree with Jay on
the math. Part of the math is that compounding has been set to work against us, by us. Add the inevitable loss of reserve currency seigneurage when the unsustainable ends. Add the enormous psychological blow when we go from self-perceived richest nation to one in financial distress. Add inept if not corrupt political "leadership" by the major parties that will dwell upon blame, fan resentment, and offer counter-productive "solutions" in a crisis.
At some point of pain we'll actually have to think about cutting back that sacred cow, the Military Department, and changing its mission back to Defense Department. I'd tax myself for a dozen Afghanistans, but not one Iraq, not to mention our troops strung out across the world. I hate to say it, but we're starting to see some parallels to Rome in an economic, even if not political, sense.
Strongly agree with you about medical insurance reform (make it portable and deductible to the individual), but I'd set mileage standards via a date by which all vehicles are taxed based upon emissions--a sort of pay to play instead of fleet standards. I'd tax that high and use the money to start other energy-saving programs. Fleet mileage is a socialist, levelling solution, or one that puts the decision in the wrong place (the auto manufacturers). You get the same good outcome (better average mileage) by putting the decision in the hands of consumers. Then we know that everyone driving a high-emission vehicle is paying richly to do so, and the more environmentally conscious are thus paying less.
I almost forgot: We could stop donating money to governments around the world that make ours look good by comparision. |
